Adjustable vehicle-carrying frame

ABSTRACT

An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides includes, on each side, a forward end and a rearward end, each end including an upper and lower rail section joined by elongate brace members, where the respective ends are separated from one another and a length-adjusting insert is carried between such ends to selectively permit adjustment of the position of the forward end relative to the rearward end while maintaining the ends in end-to-end alignment. On each side of the frame, preferably at least one of the upper rail sections has an end portion defining an open-ended hollow tube extending lengthwise of that side within which an elongate arm of the length-adjusting insert is slidably moveable so that structures on the outside surfaces of the rail sections will not interfere with length adjustment. Preferably, on each side, the upper and lower rail sections of the respective ends together define longitudinally aligned upper and lower pairs of open-ended tubes in which are slidably received an upper and lower pair of arms of the length-adjusting insert, thereby permitting the insert to remain permanently in position on each side regardless of the length selected. Preferably, also, the forward and rearward ends of the frame are lockable to the arms of the insert while keeping the insert centered longitudinally with respect to each side.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 720,893, filed Jun. 25, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,951,which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.500,476, filed Mar. 28, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,938, which in turnis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 261,504filed Oct. 24, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,067, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 943,688, filedDec. 18, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,049.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the adjustability of elongate frames ofthe type which have a generally open-sided construction making possiblethe loading of two or more tiers of vehicles onto the frame and which,after being loaded, are adapted for insertion into a standardcargo-carrying container for shipment.

Frames of the above type are shown, for example, in Gearin, et al. U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,768,916 and 4,797,049. A newer model of this type of frameis shown in Halpin, et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 784,902,filed Oct. 30, 1991. In each of these disclosures, the frame shown is ofa generally open-sided box-like construction where each side of theframe includes a longitudinally-extending upper and lower rail. Both atthe corners of the frame and at longitudinallyspaced positionstherebetween, upright brace members are used to connect together theupper and lower rail. At the ends of the frame, the sides are connectedtogether such as by a spreader bar or by a two-panel centrally-hingedgate that is capable of being folded inwardly in order to collapse thesides of the frame.

In order to support vehicles on the abovedescribed type of frame,respective pairs of elongate wheel cradles are suspended across therespective sides of the frame to support the forward and rearward wheelsof each vehicle. In particular, each end of each wheel cradle issupported by an end hanger which, in turn, is vertically slidable andadjustably lockable along a tension member suspended by its upper endfrom the upper rail of the frame. The vertical slidability of the endhangers makes possible power-assisted vertical lifting of each vehicleby the hangers. The upper ends of the respective tension members are, inturn, longitudinally movable along the upper rails in order tocompensate for differences in vehicle wheel base as well as to allowtilting of the vehicles. An elongate plate having numerous openings orslots spaced therealong is affixed to the inward edge of each upperrail, each opening or slot providing a different pinning or lockingposition for each tension member.

A difficulty with the above-described type of frame relates to thediffering sizes of the containers that are encountered at differentvehicle loading and unloading stations. In particular, cargo-carryingcontainers that are 40 feet, 45 feet, and 48 feet in length may beencountered. The present frames of fixed dimension are required to havea length no longer than that which will fit within the shortestcontainer. This presents the problem of preventing to-and-fro movementof these frames within the longer-length containers during transport.Furthermore, even if a movement-limiting mechanism is provided, thereremains the problem of the reduction in the number of vehicles thatmight otherwise have been shipped in the longer-length container. Forexample, whereas normally only three larger-sized vehicles can becarried on the present frame which is 39 feet in length (suitable for a40-foot container) if, instead, the frame were 47 feet in length(suitable for a 48-foot container) it might be possible to carry as manyas six larger-sized vehicles.

In view of the above, there clearly exists a need for a vehicle-carryingframe which is adjustable in length. Unfortunately, due to the basicstructure of the frame as well as its intended use, this objective hasnot been readily obtainable. A frame having adjustable wheel platformsis shown in Swartzwelder U.K. Patent No. 1,006,496, but this referencedoes not describe how to achieve extensible movement between entire endsof the frame where each end includes upper and lower rails joined byelongate brace members. In fact, such extensibility is not easy toimplement, particularly between the upper rails of each end, becausethese upper rails must uniformly provide numerous locking positions forthe tension members which support the wheel cradle end hangers.Furthermore, because the side-to-side spacing of one end would differsomewhat from the side-to-side spacing of the other end in a telescopingstructure, wheel cradles of different widths would be needed in order tosupport vehicles on the frame.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to providea vehicle-carrying frame having an improved mechanism for adapting tocontainers of varying length by enabling selective adjustment of thelength of the frame.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism ofthe above type that, despite such adjustability in length, retains theability to position its vehicle-supporting tension memberslongitudinally wherever they are needed.

Another related object of the present invention is to provide amechanism of the above type that does not require the use of wheelcradles having different widths in order to support vehicles atdifferent positions on the frame.

Yet another related object of the present invention is to provide amechanism of the above type where the length can be adjusted without theneed to add or subtract any frame sections.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

To achieve the aforementioned objects, the present invention includes alength-adjusting insert carried permanently on each respective side ofthe frame. Each side is partitioned into two ends which each include anupper and lower extremity joined by elongate support members and whichare separated longitudinally by the length-adjusting insert that adjuststhe separation between the two ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, hollow upper railson each end of the frame telescopically receive respective elongate armsof the length-adjusting insert. In this manner, the upper rails are freeto shift along the length-adjusting insert to adjust the separationbetween the ends of the frame without interference with the adjustablepositioning structure on the rails from which the vehicle-supportingtension members are suspended.

The foregoing and other objectives, features and advantages of theinvention will be more readily understood upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary adjustable frame, inaccordance with the present invention, showing the frame suitablyadjusted for insertion into a shorter-length container.

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of the adjustable frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3--3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4--4 in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5-6 are side elevational views, similar to FIG. 1, but where theframe has been adjusted for insertion into a medium-length andlonger-length container, respectively.

FIG. 7-8 are perspective views of a lower pinning assembly which isshown apart from and in its intended use on the frame respectively

FIG. 9 is an expanded elevational view taken along lines 9--9 in FIG. 1,showing lower lateral spacer assemblies of the frame of FIG. 1 in theirintended use after the frame has been loaded into a standardcargo-carrying container which is also shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustableframe 20 constructed in accordance with the present invention. As shown,a plurality of vehicles 22 can be loaded in two tiers on the frame. Theframe includes spaced-apart sets of wheels 24 to facilitate movement ofthe frame into a standard cargo-carrying container after the frame hasbeen loaded.

In several respects, the exemplary frame 20 is constructed in a mannersimilar to the construction of the frames which are described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,797,049, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/784,902,filed Oct. 30, 1991, which are herein incorporated by reference. Inparticular, on each side of the elongate frame 20, the frame includes aplurality of upright brace or compression members 26 each supporting arespective longitudinally extending upper rail section 28a-b above alongitudinally extending lower rail section 30a-b. As shown in FIG. 1,from the upper rail sections 28a-b on each side of the frame, aplurality of tension members 32, which are movable longitudinally alongthe rail sections, are suspended vertically, and at least one end hanger34 is releasably locked in a desired vertical position on each tensionmember 32 in order to carry a respective end of a wheel cradle (notshown) which extends across both sides of the frame. As was described inthe Background section, each wheel cradle, in turn, supports either theforward or rearward pair of wheels of a particular vehicle 22. Referringalso to FIG. 3, a two-panel centrally-hinged gate 35 located on theforward end 38 of the frame permits the respective sides of the frame tobe brought to a closely-adjacent collapsed position after a spreader bar(not shown) at the rearward end 36 of the frame is first removed.

With respect now to the novel aspects of the frame, as shown in FIG. 1,on each side of the exemplary frame 20 both the upper and lower railsare partitioned into two longitudinally-separated sections. On eachside, the rearward end 36 of the frame includes upper and lower railsections which are respectively denoted by reference numerals 28a and30a while the forward end 38 of the frame includes upper and lower railsections which are respectively denoted by reference numerals 28b and30b. Centrally carried on each side between the end 36 and the end 38 ofthe frame is a respective length-adjusting insert 40. Referring also toFIGS. 5 and 6, this length-adjusting insert enables the separationbetween the ends 36 and 38 to be adjusted so that the total length ofthe frame can be adjusted from a first length 42a of about 39 feet(FIG. 1) to a second length 42b of about 44 feet (FIG. 5) and then on toa third length 42c of about 47 feet (FIG. 6), for insertion intocontainers of 40, 45 and 48-foot lengths, respectively. The constructionof the length-adjusting insert 40 and the mating surfaces of each end ofthe frame will now be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 2, each length-adjusting insert 40 of the adjustableframe has a generally I-shaped construction. In particular, each insertincludes an upright brace member 44 past the sides of whichperpendicularly extend an upper pair of arms 50a and 50b, which arecarried on the upper end of the brace member, and a lower pair of arms52a and 52b which are carried on the lower end of the brace member.Referring also to FIG. 3, in the particular embodiment shown in thedrawings, the upper pair of arms 50a and 50b are integrally formed on asingle hollow-centered rail which is directly connected, as by welding,to the upper end of the brace member. The lower pair of arms 52a and 52beach comprise a solid rail and are connected, at their opposing ends, toa central wheel-box assembly 53 mounted on the lower end of the bracemember.

In order to enable each insert 40 to be locked into adjustable positionson the frame, a plurality of longitudinally-spaced rearward and forwardopenings, respectively denoted by reference numerals 55a-c and 57a-c,are drilled through the lateral sides of each rearward and forward arm,respectively, of the insert. Viewing FIGS. 2 and 4 together, this isdone so that respective ones of the rearward openings 55a, b, c, arelocated substantially the same lengthwise distance from the brace member44 as corresponding ones of the forward openings 57a, b, c. The purposeunderlying this arrangement will be made clearer below. The openings arefurther arranged, on the exemplary insert shown, so that the openings55a-c and 57a-c on the upper arms 50a and 50b are vertically alignedwith the correspondingly-numbered openings on the lower arms 52a and52b.

With regard now to the ends 36 and 38 of the frame, as shown in FIG. 1,each respective side of the frame 20 is partitioned so that the ends aresubstantially matched in length. Accordingly, when the length adjustinginsert 40 is installed, the insert is positioned substantially in thecenter of each respective side. This placement of the insert maximizesthe number of vehicles 22 which can be loaded onto the frame. To clarifythis further, because the respective tension members 32 are notsuspendable from the upper pair of arms 50a-b of the exemplary insertnow described, as they are from the upper rail sections 28a-b, thelength-adjusting insert 40 defines a zone 61 along each side of theframe within which it is not possible to support the wheels of anyvehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, having a wheel-free zone 61 inthe center of each side, however, will not affect the normalthree-vehicle, four-vehicle, or six-vehicle loading pattern. If, on theother hand, the wheel-free zone were positioned elsewhere, such asproximate an extreme end of the frame, the vehicles would need to beshifted longitudinally with respect to the foregoing loading patterns sothat the number of vehicles that could be loaded on the frame woulddecrease.

Referring to FIG. 2, the respective upper rail sections 28a-b on oneside of the frame together define a facing upper pair of open-endedhollow rectangular tubes 62a-b and, likewise, the respective lower railsections 30a-b together define a facing lower pair of open-ended hollowtubes 64a-b. To install the length adjusting insert 40, the upper pairof arms 50a-b of the insert are slidably inserted into the upper pair ofopen-ended tubes 62a-b, while, at the same time, the lower pair of arms52a-b of the insert are slidably inserted into the lower pair ofopen-ended tubes 64a-b.

Referring now to FIG. 4, with the length-adjusting insert 40 slidablyinserted into each end of the frame in this manner, the respective upperrail sections 28a of the rearward end 36 are maintained in end-to-endalignment with the corresponding upper rail sections 28b of the forwardend 38. Similarly, the lower rail sections 30a of the rearward end aremaintained in end-to-end alignment with the corresponding lower railsections 30b of the forward end. These relationships, in turn, ensurethat the side-to-side spacing 68 between respective rail sections of therearward end will equal the side-to-side spacing 69 between respectiverail sections of the forward end, so that wheel cradles of uniformside-to-side width can be used at either end.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 together, the length-adjusting insert 40enables relative movement between the respective ends 36 and 38 of theframe despite tension-member positioning structures on each end thatoverhang the upper and lower rail sections 28a-b and 30a-b. Theseinclude an upper and lower toothed plate 72 and 74, respectively. Thesetwo plates cooperate together to enable each tension member 32 to beshifted between and to be locked in, quickly and without mishap, aplurality of longitudinally-spaced positions along the frame. Referringalso to FIG. 3, on each respective side, the upper toothed plate 72 ismounted on the inward side of each upper rail section 28a-b andoverhangs each respective upper rail section, while the lower toothedplate 74 is mounted on the upper side of each lower rail section 30a-b.There is no interference between these respective plates and thelength-adjusting insert because the respective pairs of arms 50a-b and52a-b of the insert move entirely within, and not along the outside of,the respective rail sections 28a-b and 30a- b. Were it not for thisarrangement, the aforedescribed wheelfree zone 61 on each respectiveside would generally be over twice the length that is shown in FIG. 1and FIGS. 5-6 so that commensurately fewer vehicles could be carried onthe frame.

Another advantage of the above-described interconnecting system is thatthe length-adjusting insert 40, once installed, can be maintained inready-to-use position between the respective ends of each side of theframe. This is so whether, for example, the frame 20 needs to beadjusted to fit a relatively shorter-length container (FIG. 1) orwhether, instead, the frame needs to be adjusted to fit a relativelylonger-length container (FIG. 6). There is no need, in particular, whentransporting the frame in a shorter-length container, to separatelytransport removable clamp-on attachments in order to be ready to fit theframe into longer-length containers, nor is there a need, whenever theswitch to longer-length containers is being made, to lift and manipulateinto place attachments of this sort.

The rearward and forward ends 36 and 38 of the frame are adapted to bepinned to the arms of each length-adjusting insert 40 to enable eachinsert to be locked into place so that the frame will maintain aconstant length. In particular, referring to FIG. 2, on each side of theframe proximate the insert-receiving edge of the rearward end 36, a pairof vertically-aligned rearward holes 75 are drilled, the first betweenthe lateral sides of the rearward upper rail section 28a and the uppertoothed plate 72 and the second through the lateral sides of therearward lower rail section 30a. Likewise, on each side of the frameproximate the insert-receiving edge of the forward end 38, a pair ofvertically-aligned forward holes 77 are drilled, the first between thelateral sides of the forward upper rail section 28b and the uppertoothed plate 72 and the second through the lateral sides of the forwardlower rail section 30b. As depicted, the rearward holes 75 havesubstantially the same lengthwise offset from the insert-receiving edgesof the rearward end 36 as the forward holes 77 have from theinsert-receiving edges of the forward end 38.

Referring to FIG. 2, upon shifting the rearward end 36 away from thelength-adjusting insert 40, respective ones of the plurality ofvertically-aligned pairs of rearward openings 55a, b, c are successivelybrought into registration with the vertically-aligned pair of rearwardholes 75. Viewing FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 5-6 together, each such position ofregistration defines a corresponding rearward locking position 80a, b,c. Similarly, upon shifting the forward end 38 away from thelength-adjusting insert 40, respective ones of the plurality ofvertically-aligned pairs of forward openings 57a, b, c are successivelybrought into registration with the vertically-aligned pair of forwardholes 77. Viewing FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5-6 together, each such position ofregistration defines a corresponding forward-locking position 82a, b, c.

As a result of the arrangements heretofore described of the rearwardopenings 55a, b, c, relative to the forward openings 57a, b, c and ofthe rearward holes 75 relative to the forward holes 77, respective onesof the rearward locking positions 80a, b, c are located substantiallythe same lengthwise distance from the brace member 44 as correspondingones of the forward locking positions 82a, b, c. This allows the bracemember to be locked into a position which is substantially centeredlongitudinally of each side of the frame regardless of which lengthadjustment has been selected. Accordingly, when vehicles 22 have beenloaded on the frame, the compressive forces which act on each bracemember 26 and on each brace member 44 will be evenly distributed betweenthese members.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, after the rearward and forward ends havebeen moved to a particular rearward and forward locking position,respectively, on each side of the frame, each end is pinned to the armsof the insert by upper and lower locking assemblies 85 and 87. Referringnow to FIG. 7, each lower locking assembly 87 includes a main pinningmember 89 and a separate self-locking pin 91. The main pinning member 89includes a generally rectangular backing plate 93 from one side of whichoutwardly extends a generally cylindrical main pin 95 and a lug 97 ofgenerally parallelipiped form except that the outermost edge 99 of thelug converges toward the rectangular plate at about a 30° slant in adirection moving away from the main pin. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, themain pin 95 is suitably dimensioned for close-fitting insertion between,for example, the forward hole 77 formed on the lower rail section 30b ofthe forward end 38 and a respective one of the forward openings 57a, b,c formed on the lower arm 52b of the insert 40, where the particularforward opening that is used will depend on which of the forward lockingpositions 82a (FIG. 1), 82b (FIG. 5), or 82c (FIG. 6) has been selected.In similar manner, every other rail section of each end of the frame ispinned to the corresponding arm of a respective insert.

Referring to the particular pinning position depicted in FIG. 8,lengthwise forces can act between the main pin 95 and the forward hole77 which, unless protected against, can cause lengthwise wearing orelongation of the hole 77 which can, in turn, ultimately cause anexcessive degree of play to develop between the insert and the forwardend. To counteract this effect, the lug 97 is dimensioned and arrangedon the plate 93, as shown, so that when the main pin is received in thehole 77, the lug is positioned for close-fitting insertion between arespective pair of the teeth 101 on the toothed plate 74. The teeth arepreferably formed in the toothed plate using a burning torch, so that ahardened layer is developed along the edge of each tooth. Accordingly,the forces which might otherwise wear against the relatively softerdrilled surfaces of the hole 77 are not able to wear against therelatively harder slotted surfaces of the toothed plate, and the mainpin is held in nonvibratory position within the hole. The rearward orforward openings 55a-c and 57a-c on each lower arm 52a-b of the insertare also subject to such forces but are less susceptible to wearing thanthe holes 75 and 77 because the lower arms, being solid rails, have agreater length of material along the sides of their openings to resolvethese forces.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in order that the main pin 95 and lug 97 donot back out of their respective pinning positions, the self-locking pin91 is inserted through a hole 103 which is formed on the outermostcorner of the lug between the teeth-facing sides of the lug. Thisself-locking pin includes an elongate pin body 105, a head 107, and aring 109 pivotably connected to the head by offset ends of the ring sothat the ring is normally biased to a position immediately adjoining oneside or the other of the pin body. Accordingly, after the self-lockingpin is forced through the hole 103 on the lug, and after the ring hasbeen swiveled, as shown in FIG. 8, in locked position over a corner ofthe lug (as facilitated by the slant of the outermost edge 99), thenatural bias on the ring maintains this locked position. Concerning theupper locking assemblies 85 (FIG. 3), these locking assemblies aregenerally similar in construction to the lower locking assemblies 87which have now been described, except for dimensional differences madenecessary because of the different arrangements of the upper and lowertoothed plates 72 and 74 and because the greater lateral thicknesses ofthe upper rail and arm members in comparison to the lower members.

Although not shown, each length-adjusting insert 40 can be optionallyfitted with a pivotable set of tension member positioning plates inorder to enable mounting of tension members in the wheel-free zone 61when the frame is extended to its full length 42c as indicated in FIG.6. Here each plate of the four-plate set comprises a shortened length oftoothed plate, generally shaped like the plates 72 and 74 which areshown in FIG. 2. Each shortened plate is mounted, at one end, adjacent arespective end corner of the central brace member 44 for pivotingmovement between a collapsed position adjacent and generally parallel tothe brace member and a ready position adjacent and generally parallel toa corresponding one of the arms 50a, 50b, 52a, and 52b of the insert. Aset of four pins are separately provided to releasably fasten the otherend of each shortened plate to the corresponding arm of the insert inorder to secure the plate in its ready position along that arm after theframe has been extended to its full length 42c as shown in FIG. 6.Tension members 32 can then be mounted on each plate along thecorresponding arm of the insert in consistent manner with the procedureby which they are mounted to the plates 72 and 74 along each end of theframe. Alternatively, in order to make room along the arms of the insertfor adjusting the frame to a shorter length, the pins are removed andeach shortened plate is pivoted downwardly away from its correspondingarm to its collapsed position adjacent the brace member.

Referring to FIG. 1 the adjustable frame 20 includes upper and lowerlateral spacer assemblies 110 and 112 which are used to limit lateralmovement of the frame inside a container into which the frame has beenloaded for shipment. The frame may either be loaded by itself in itsfully expanded condition or with other frames of like type where thesides of each frame have been collapsed into closely adjacent positionin order, for example, that the return shipment of a large number ofunloaded frames can be made. Referring also to FIG. 9, which shows thelower lateral spacer assemblies in a selected operative position for asingle loaded frame, each left and right-hand spacer assembly (e.g.,112a and 112b) includes an elongate first hollow tube 114 of rectangularcross-section which is mounted in lateral extension from a respectivecorner brace member 26 on the rearward end 36 of the frame. Inside ofeach first hollow tube 114, fitted for telescopic extension therefrom,is a second hollow tube 116 on the end of which is affixed a plate 118or other type of head. Holes (not shown) are drilled in the upper sidesof the first and second tubes so that a pin 120 can be used to variouslyset the lengthwise extension of the combined spacer assembly.

As shown in FIG. 9, in their extended positions, the left and right-handspacer assemblies 112a and 112b oppose or limit movement of the frame ineither lateral direction toward the left or right sidewall 122a or 122b,respectively, of the container. Alternatively, where a number of frameshave been loaded in collapsed condition inside a container, theleft-hand spacer of the collapsed frame which is nearest to the leftsidewall of the container and the right-hand spacer of the collapsedframe which is nearest to the right sidewall of the container can bothbe extended in order to achieve the movement-limiting effect.

While, in accordance with the present invention, a preferred embodimentof the adjustable frame 20 has been described, it will be recognizedthat certain modifications of the frame are possible without departingfrom the broader principles of the present invention. For example,whether the plurality of longitudinally-spaced locking holes are formedin the respective arms of the insert as shown, or whether they areformed, instead, in the respective rail sections, makes littledifference in terms of being able to provide a plurality of forward andrearward locking positions. Clearly, also, the respective arm-supportingmembers and the respective arms of the insert can be constructed andconnected together in a variety of ways, and it is even possible, withsome loss in functionality, to dispense entirely with particularelements of the exemplary insert, such as the brace member or thewheels. Also, if desired, the brace member 44, and/or inward bracemembers 26 which are closest to the brace member 44, could beconstructed similarly to the tension members 32 so as to be capable ofmounting hangers 34 if needed for certain applications, even though theyare not movable longitudinally along the rails as are the tensionmembers 32.

The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoingspecification are used therein as terms of description and not oflimitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms andexpressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown anddescribed or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of theinvention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongate load-supporting frame comprising:(a)a pair of transversely spaced elongate upright sides capable ofsupporting a load between said sides; (b) each respective side includinga forward end and a rearward end longitudinally separated from oneanother, each of said forward end and rearward end comprising an upperextremity and a lower extremity joined by elongate support members; and(c) length-adjusting means carried on each respective side between saidforward end and said rearward end for adjusting the position of saidforward end relative to said rearward end in order to vary theseparation therebetween and thereby vary the length of each respectiveside.
 2. The frame of claim 1 wherein on each respective side saidlength-adjusting means includes means for slidably adjusting theposition of said forward end relative to said rearward end.
 3. The frameof claim 1 wherein on each respective side said forward end and saidrearward end each include a respective upper rail section extendinglengthwise of said respective side.
 4. The frame of claim 3 wherein oneach respective side said length-adjusting means includes alignmentmeans for movably maintaining said respective upper rail section of saidforward end in end-to-end alignment with said respective upper railsection of said rearward end.
 5. The frame of claim 3 wherein on eachrespective side at least one of said upper rail sections has an endportion defining an open-ended elongate hollow member extendinglengthwise of said respective side and said length-adjusting meansincludes an elongate arm slidably movable within said open-endedelongate hollow member.
 6. The frame of claim 3 wherein on eachrespective side the respective upper rail sections together define aseparated upper pair of longitudinally aligned open-ended elongatehollow members, and said length-adjusting means includes an upper pairof elongate arms slidably movable within respective ones of said upperpair of elongate hollow members.
 7. The frame of claim 3 wherein saidrespective upper rail sections of said forward end are substantiallymatched in length to said respective upper rail sections of saidrearward end in order to position said length-adjusting means generallyin the longitudinal center of each respective side.
 8. The frame ofclaim 3 wherein on each respective side the respective upper railsections together define a separated upper pair of longitudinallyaligned open-ended elongate hollow members, further including on eachrespective side respective lower rail sections on said forward andrearward ends together defining a separated lower pair of longitudinallyaligned open-ended elongate hollow members.
 9. The frame of claim 8wherein on each respective side said length-adjusting means includes anupper and lower pair of arms extending lengthwise of said respectiveside, said arms of said upper and lower pairs being adapted for slidingmovement within said upper and lower pairs of open-ended elongate hollowmembers, respectively.
 10. The frame of claim 1 including means on arespective one of said sides for locking said forward end in a pluralityof forward locking positions and said rearward end in a plurality ofrearward locking positions relative to said length-adjusting means, eachlocking position being spaced longitudinally from the others along saidrespective one of said sides.
 11. The frame of claim 10 wherein on saidrespective one of said sides said length-adjusting means includes anupright brace positioned longitudinally between said forward lockingpositions and said rearward locking positions.
 12. The frame of claim 11wherein on said respective one of said sides respective ones of saidforward locking positions are located substantially the same lengthwisedistances from said brace as corresponding ones of said rearward lockingpositions.
 13. The frame of claim 1 wherein said forward end andrearward end are of substantially equal lengths so that saidlength-adjusting means is positioned generally in the longitudinalcenter of each respective side.
 14. A method of adjusting an elongatevehicle-carrying frame comprising:(a) providing an elongatevehicle-carrying frame having upright sides maintainable in an openposition transversely spaced apart from each other, said frame formingbetween said sides an interior region; (b) adjusting the size of saidinterior region of said frame while maintaining said open position basedon criteria that is independent of the relative sizes of the respectivevehicles to be carried on said frame; (c) providing a vehicle-supportingassembly on said frame; (d) dividing said interior region of said frame,based on said relative sizes, into a plurality of vehicle-loading zonesby means of said vehicle-supporting supporting assembly, each zone beingconfigured to physically support a respective one of said vehicles. 15.The method of claim 14 including the further step of providing anelongate enclosure into which said frame is insertable, and wherein saidcriteria includes the interior length of said enclosure.
 16. The methodof claim 14 wherein step (b) includes adjusting the size of saidinterior region of said frame in a direction longitudinal of said framebased on criteria that is independent of the relative lengths of therespective vehicles to be carried on said frame.
 17. The method of claim14 wherein step (d) includes dividing said interior region of said frameso that each zone includes an adjustable length dimension in a directionlongitudinal of said frame and further including the step of adjustingrespective portions of the support assembly in order to match theadjustable length dimensions of respective zones to the relative lengthsof respective vehicles.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein step (d)includes dividing said interior region of said frame so that theadjustable length dimensions of horizontally adjacent ones of therespective zones have relative maximum limits that are generallyinterrelated to each other.
 19. The method of claim 18 including thefurther step of increasing the size of said interior region of saidframe in a direction longitudinal of said frame so that the summed valueof the relative maximum limits of horizontally adjacent ones of therespective zones increases.
 20. A system for loading and transportingwheeled vehicles comprising:(a) an elongate rectangular enclosurecomprising a closed top, bottom, and surrounding wall havinglongitudinally oriented parallel sides; (b) a framework removablyinserted into said enclosure, said framework including respective pairsof transversely-spaced elongate upright members spaced longitudinallyalong the interior of said enclosure capable of vertically supporting awheeled vehicle transversely between said upright members; (c)respective front and rear vehicle wheel support members extendingtransversely between respective pairs of said upright members andseparated from each other by an axle-to-axle distance; (d) each of saidfront and rear vehicle wheel support members interconnecting arespective pair of said upright members and being movable verticallyrelative to the respective pair of said upright members while supportingthe wheels of a vehicle, so as to position the respective front and rearwheels of said vehicle at variable elevations relative to each other;(e) said respective front and rear vehicle wheel support members beingselectively movable relative to each other so as to vary theaxle-to-axle distance therebetween.
 21. The system of claim 20 whereinsaid upright members are supported by said framework, and wherein saidframework is removably supported by said bottom of said enclosure so asto derive at least a major portion of its vertical support from saidbottom.
 22. The system of claim 20 wherein said enclosure is an elongategeneral-purpose cargo-carrying container having an entryway at one endthereof.
 23. A system for loading and transporting wheeled vehiclescomprising:(a) an elongate rectangular enclosure comprising a closedtop, bottom, and surrounding wall having longitudinally orientedparallel sides; (b) a framework removably inserted into said enclosure,said framework including respective pairs of transversely-spacedelongate upright members spaced longitudinally along the interior ofsaid enclosure capable of vertically supporting a wheeled vehicletransversely between said upright members; (c) respective front and rearvehicle wheel support members extending transversely between respectivepairs of said upright members and separated from each other by anaxle-to-axle distance; (d) each of said front and rear vehicle wheelsupport members interconnecting a respective pair of said upright memberand being movable vertically relative to the respective pair of saidupright members while supporting the wheels of a vehicle, so as toposition the respective front and rear wheels of said vehicle atvariable elevations relative to each other; (e) each of said respectivefront and rear vehicle wheel support members being selectively movableindependently of each other longitudinally of said enclosure so as tovary the axle-to-axle distance therebetween.
 24. The system of claim 23wherein said upright members are supported by said framework, andwherein said framework is removably supported by said bottom of saidenclosure so as to derive at least a major portion of its verticalsupport from said bottom.
 25. The system of claim 23 wherein saidenclosure is an elongate general-purpose cargo-carrying container havingan entryway at one end thereof.
 26. A system for loading andtransporting wheeled vehicles comprising:(a) an elongate rectangularenclosure comprising a closed top, bottom, and surrounding wall havinglongitudinally oriented parallel sides; (b) a framework removablyinserted into said enclosure, said framework including respective pairsof transversely-spaced elongate upright members spaced longitudinallyalong the interior of said enclosure capable of vertically supporting awheeled vehicle transversely between said upright members; (c)respective front and rear vehicle wheel support members supported bysaid respective pairs of said upright members and separated from eachother by an axle-to-axle distance; (d) each of said respective front andrear vehicle wheel support members being movable vertically relative tothe respective pair of said upright members while supporting the wheelsof a vehicle, so as to position the respective front and rear wheels atvariable elevations relative to said bottom of said enclosure; (e) eachrespective pair of said upright members being supported by saidframework, and said framework being removably supported by said bottomof said enclosure so as to derive at least a major portion of itsvertical support from said bottom of said enclosure, each of saidrespective front and rear vehicle wheel support members beingselectively movable independently of each other longitudinally of saidenclosure so as to vary the axle-to-axle distance between saidrespective front and rear vehicle wheel support members.
 27. The systemof claim 26 wherein each respective pair of said upright members isinterconnected transversely by a respective one of said vehicle wheelsupport members.
 28. The system of claim 26 wherein said enclosure is anelongate general-purpose cargo-carrying container having an entryway atone end thereof.
 29. A system for loading and transporting wheeledvehicles comprising:(a) an elongate rectangular enclosure comprising aclosed top, bottom, and surrounding wall having longitudinally orientedparallel sides; (b) a framework removably inserted into said enclosure,said framework including respective pairs of transversely-spacedelongate upright members spaced longitudinally along the interior ofsaid enclosure capable of vertically supporting a wheeled vehicletransversely between said upright members; (c) respective front and rearvehicle wheel support members supported by respective pairs of saidupright members and separated from each other by an axle-to-axledistance; (d) each of said front and rear vehicle wheel support membersbeing movable vertically relative to the respective pair of said uprightmembers while supporting the wheels of a vehicle, so as to position therespective front and rear wheels at variable elevations relative to saidbottom of said enclosure; (e) said respective pairs oftransversely-spaced upright members being selectively movableindependently of each other longitudinally of said enclosure so as tovary the axle-to-axle distance between said respective front and rearvehicle wheel support members.
 30. The system of claim 29 wherein eachrespective pair of said upright members is supported by said framework,and wherein said framework is removably supported by said bottom of saidenclosure so as to derive at least a major portion of its verticalsupport from said bottom.
 31. The system of claim 29 wherein eachrespective pair of said upright members is interconnected transverselyby a respective one of said vehicle wheel support members.
 32. Thesystem of claim 29 wherein said enclosure is an elongate general-purposecargo-carrying container having an entryway at one end thereof.
 33. Anelongate load-supporting frame comprising:(a) a pair oftransversely-spaced elongate upright sides capable of supporting a loadbetween said sides; (b) each respective side including a forward end anda rearward end longitudinally offset from one another, each of said endsincluding an upper extremity and a lower extremity having longitudinallyspaced elongate support members extending vertically therebetween; and(c) length-adjusting means on each respective side between said forwardend and said rearward end for adjusting the position of said forward endrelative to said rearward end in order to vary the longitudinalrelationship therebetween and thereby vary the length of each respectiveside.
 34. The frame of claim 33 wherein on each respective side saidlength-adjusting means includes means for slidably adjusting theposition of said forward end relative to said rearward end.
 35. Theframe of claim 33 wherein on each respective side said forward end andsaid rearward end each includes a respective upper rail sectionextending lengthwise of said respective side.
 36. The frame of claim 33further including respective front and rear wheel support membersextending transversely between said sides for supporting a front andrear pair of wheels, respectively, of a vehicle.
 37. The frame of claim36 wherein said wheel support members are vertically movable relative tosaid elongate support members.
 38. The frame of claim 36 wherein saidfront and rear wheel support members are vertically movable relative toeach other.
 39. The frame of claim 36 wherein said front and rear wheelsupport members are vertically movable while supporting said vehicle.40. The frame of claim 36 further including means for coupling saidfront and rear wheel support members to said sides so as to enable saidvehicle to be vertically raised relative to said sides while saidvehicle is being supported by said front and rear wheel support members.41. The frame of claim 36 including means for varying the longitudinalspacing between said front and rear wheel support members independentlyof said length of each respective side.